This month, Hadassah Australia had the privilege of hosting two impactful boardroom events in Sydney with the esteemed Rabbi Yosef Zvi Rimon. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jeremy Dunkel and Stanley Roth for their generous hospitality.
Rabbi Rimon, visiting from Israel, shared inspiring updates on the Hadassah-Achotenu Ethiopian-Israel University Scholarships in Health, a transformative program he founded.
He emphasised the critical importance of this initiative, especially during these challenging times, highlighting how it not only changes lives but also plays a vital role in strengthening Israel’s healthcare system.
Rabbi Rimon has made a significant impact in Israel through La’Ofek, an organisation he founded, focused on bridging education and employment gaps in Israeli society. A flagship program of La’Ofek is our Hadassah-Achotenu Ethiopian-Israel Scholarships in Health program, providing university scholarships to Ethiopian-Israeli students pursuing graduate careers in Nursing and Occupational Therapy.
Rabbi Rimon emphasised the importance of building a strong and resilient future for all Israeli society, highlighting the work he is doing across Israel, supporting those most vulnerable, those experiencing tremendous loss due to the ongoing war.
His dedication to education and social change exemplifies his commitment to creating a more equitable and prosperous society. By focusing on education and employment, he has provided a pathway for many to achieve their full potential, combining Jewish values with practical support to inspire positive change in Israel and beyond.
Hadassah-Achotenu is playing a critical role in addressing Israel’s chronic nursing shortage. In a nation where hospitals are the primary providers of public health, the ratio of graduate nurses per 100,000 people is only 30, according to OECD data. This figure sharply contrasts with Australia’s ratio of 116 nurses per 100,000, nearly four times higher. The contribution of Achotenu graduates is noteworthy as they play a role in bolstering the ranks of nurses in Israel. A consistent influx of graduate nurses ensures that the Israeli hospital system can adequately support patients.
And in recent months, within the everchanging context of a country at war, a number of the Achotenu students were called to reserve duty, and nine had to leave their homes for several months. Many were displaced. The Hebrew University and the Achotenu Program provided substantial support to these students, offering assistance to help them continue their studies under challenging circumstances.
The students that benefit from Achotenu are highly motivated and dedicated to their learning, as one student explains “I’ve always wanted to feel like I’m doing something meaningful, not just going to work and coming back home. I wanted to do something significant in my life, to be someone who helps, someone who is needed in some way.”
Rav Rimon captivated us all with powerful stories from his work since October 7, 2023, showcasing his unwavering support for soldiers and civilians affected by the war. His reflections deeply resonated, offering both inspiration and insight into the ongoing challenges faced by those in need.
We extend our sincere thanks to Jeremy Dunkel, Stanley Roth and everyone who participated and contributed to the success of these events.